Utilization of Long-Acting Contraceptive Methods and Associated Factors among Female Health Care Providers in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, faces serious population and reproductive health challenges, indicated by a higher unmet need for family planning, especially for long-acting contraceptive methods, higher fertility, and population growth rates. The utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods in Ethiopia and in particular in the study area is low. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods among female health care workers in the reproductive age group in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2018. METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 March 2018. A total of 392 female health care workers have participated. Data were collected by a structured, pretested, and self-administered questionnaire, then entered into Epi-info Version 7, and analyzed by SPSS Version 21. Bivariable and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. p value <0.05 was considered to declare statistically significant variables. RESULT: The current utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods among female health workers was found to be 22.7%. Supportive attitude of their husbands/partners (AOR at 95% CI 4.62 (1.52-14.09)), having <5000 EBrr monthly family income (AOR at 95% CI 2.813 (1.04-7.57)), supportive attitude towards the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods (AOR at 95% CI 5.13 (2.03-12.95)), and the desire to have 0-2 children (AOR at 95% CI 5.34 (1.80-15.80)) were positively associated factors towards the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods. CONCLUSION: The current utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods was found low. Husbands/partners' supportive attitude, the number of children they want to have, attitude, and monthly family income were identified as significant factors. The East Gojjam Zonal Health Department and other stakeholders should work on the promotion of partners/husbands' involvement in the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods among reproductive age women, including health care workers.

Diarrhea Prevention Practice and Associated Factors among Caregivers of Under-Five Children in Enemay District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Diarrhea is the leading cause of mortality among infants and children younger than 5 years of age in both underdeveloped and developing countries. Factors determining the occurrence of diarrhea in children are complex, and the relative contribution of each factor varies as a function of interaction between socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral variables. Objectives: To assess diarrhea prevention practice and associated factors of diarrheal disease among caregivers who have under-five children in Enemay district, Ethiopia, 2018. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was done from June 1-30, 2018, among 398 caregivers who have under-five children, in the Enemay district that were selected by using the simple random sampling technique. A structured and pretested data collection tool was used to collect the data. Data were entered using EPI DATA version 4.2, and analysis was done using SPSS version 20 statistical package to be cleaned and analyzed. Descriptive analysis was done to describe study participants, and logistic regression (bivariable and multivariable) analysis was done to identify factors that have association with the dependent variable. The P value was less than 0.05. Results: A total of 398 with a response rate of 97% under-five caregivers were participated in this study. Nearly, half (48.7%) of the participants were in the age group 25-34. The study revealed that good practice of diarrhea prevention was 52.8%. This study was also identified that occupation (AOR: 3.922, 95% CI: 1.593, 9.657), family size (AOR: 0.088, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.916), and understanding on diarrhea (AOR: 0.237, 95% CI: 0.091, 0.613) were associated factors of diarrhea prevention practice of under-five children caregivers. Conclusion: This finding showed that diarrhea prevention practice among under-five children caregivers was low and prevention practice was significantly associated with caregivers' awareness on frequency of diarrhea in a day, occupation, and family size in a house.

Appropriate Weaning Practice and Associated Factors among Infants and Young Children in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The right nutrition from the start of a pregnancy to the child's second birthday has a profound impact on the future health, wellbeing, and success of a child. This can be achieved through proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, and appropriate weaning practice. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at assessing appropriate weaning practice and associated factors among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in Feres Bet Town, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 351 children aged 6-23 months. Simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with appropriate weaning practice. RESULTS: Nearly quarter (23.9%) of mothers have practiced appropriate weaning. Proportion of children who started consumption of weaning food timely and met the recommended dietary diversity was 61.5% and 43.9%, respectively. Child age [AOR (Adjusted Odds Ratio): 7.04], husband's occupation [AOR: 6.85], and maternal weaning advice [AOR: 4.38] were positively associated with appropriate weaning practice, while family size [AOR: 0.28] showed negative association. CONCLUSION: Appropriate weaning practice was found to be low. Health education at community level and one-on-one advice for mothers in health institutions are highly recommended to improve appropriate weaning.